Call it a hiatus. A break. A momento.
I don't think there is a time when I have gone un-posted on my blog for more than a week (don't count the time I was away from my base in CF though).
Sooo, what's going on?
Well, plenty, but not much either.
Yeah I hear you. One of these days I need to a) make up my mind about what I want to say and b) stop being so confused.
Over what?
Hmm. Almost anything and everything.
Nah folks, I'm fine. I'm keeping well. It's just that I've been thinking a lot lately. About things that don't really have clear cut answers (or directions) from the guy above :)
It was on my 21st that I started this blog of mine. Now, I don't know what poeple think of blogging, but for me, I blog to de-stress (as the thoughts scattering around in my brain need an anchor to hold them down). I blog about things that touch the heart and soul, so that I will never forget how it felt to have experienced that certain moment, or event, or random act which sparked off a million emotions in me. And I guess I was also using my blog to keep you informed of my present situation, latest endeavours, future plans etc.
So to validate the last point I just made, here's a note to let you know I'm still around.
I'll be back :)
Soon-ish...
Monday, February 25, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
'We are defined as Malaysians'
Apparently there isn't much buzz surrounding next month's GE.
Yet.
I'm anxious to see how hangat it'll get with less than 2 weeks of campaigning for all political parties.
As a Malaysian who is abroad, I try to follow election-related news closely through daily perusal of our nation's top newspapers like the Star and NST.
Just days ago, I came across this little excerpt in the local Metro paper, reporting on our country's forthcoming GE.
Metro World, 15 Feb, 2008 - Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called a general election more than a year early. The move comes amid rising racial tensions and a slowing economy. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim yesterday said the timing of the poll, on March 8, was a 'dirty trick'. Mr Ibrahim is excluded from the standing until April because of his criminal record. Mr Badawi is expected to win the poll with a reduced majority. He has also come under fire for the election schedule which allows only 13 days of campaigning.
So, rising racial tensions is how the world sees the situation back home.
Please tell me it's not true.
Or rather, I don't want to believe it's true.
By Puan Sri Sarasa Pasamanikam
18 February, 2008
I WAS born in 1947, a time when the Indian independence was much talked about. There were a lot of political reading materials in my house when I was growing up.
I used to read all these and had a natural interest in politics. I joined the Muar MIC branch in 1969, the year I started teaching at Sekolah Menengah Rendah Sri Muar. I taught for 23 years before opting for retirement in 1992.
When I became active in politics, there were few Indian women who became politicians. My husband, Tan Sri Pasamanikam, contested the Batu Anam state seat in 1969. Every day after school, we would travel from Muar to Batu Anam -- a 90-minute journey. I enjoyed my visits to the estates, going from house to house.
The people were simple and hospitable. We campaigned to garner their votes for the Alliance (precursor to the Barisan Nasional which was formed in 1974).My husband used to campaign together with Tun Musa Hitam, who was the member of parliament for Labis. I also campaigned with the Umno wives.
It was an exciting experience for me. There was goodwill and unity back then, as opposed to now, where people are more calculative, eager to see what they can get in return for supporting the party. Even volunteers put self-interest first. If they are unhappy, they would quickly switch to the opposition. There is no conviction.
In 1970, I became the MIC state Wanita secretary and my chief was K. Jeya Letchumy. Together we built up the women's wing in Johor. In 1984, I became the MIC state Wanita chief. In 1992, I took the plunge into the deep end. I opted for retirement from teaching and became a senator until 1998.
As one of the few Indian women in politics then, I had no problems but sometimes, I wish I had done more for single mothers. It was an issue that dominated the Indian community then.
I also wish I had done more for the stateless people. Although we did highlight these problems, I feel that had we done more for these people, it may not have grown into such a big problem today.
As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi laments, our problem today is the implementation of policies and plans by the government.
The top leaders have always implemented plans to promote unity, tolerance and mutual respect for the different religions and cultures. I'm sad to see that some people instead create barriers between races. We have to look at each other as fellow Malaysians, rather than as people of different races and religions.
I think this year's general election will be a challenge with the Indian voters because of the emergence of the Hindu Rights Action Force. People are now openly discussing their unhappiness over some issues.I think it's not a bad thing, as instead of just sweeping the issues under carpet, our prime minister is willing to listen to these problems.I'm also happy to hear Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's assurance that he will look into all genuine grievances among the Indian community.
As for the opposition, I would say we cannot bank our hopes on them although some people are of the view that we need to have a strong opposition for check and balance.
I am currently the Tarom branch chairman. Although I have retired and am receiving a pension, I think I should serve the people for as long as I can. But I am not interested in coming back into politics. I speak as a former teacher who thinks it's the present generation's time and we should only guide them. Otherwise, when will they ever learn and lead?
Puan Sri Sarasa Pasamanikam is a former teacher and senator. She became a politician when she joined the MIC at the age of 21
Yet.
I'm anxious to see how hangat it'll get with less than 2 weeks of campaigning for all political parties.
As a Malaysian who is abroad, I try to follow election-related news closely through daily perusal of our nation's top newspapers like the Star and NST.
Just days ago, I came across this little excerpt in the local Metro paper, reporting on our country's forthcoming GE.
Metro World, 15 Feb, 2008 - Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called a general election more than a year early. The move comes amid rising racial tensions and a slowing economy. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim yesterday said the timing of the poll, on March 8, was a 'dirty trick'. Mr Ibrahim is excluded from the standing until April because of his criminal record. Mr Badawi is expected to win the poll with a reduced majority. He has also come under fire for the election schedule which allows only 13 days of campaigning.
So, rising racial tensions is how the world sees the situation back home.
Please tell me it's not true.
Or rather, I don't want to believe it's true.
***
NST onlineBy Puan Sri Sarasa Pasamanikam
18 February, 2008
I WAS born in 1947, a time when the Indian independence was much talked about. There were a lot of political reading materials in my house when I was growing up.
I used to read all these and had a natural interest in politics. I joined the Muar MIC branch in 1969, the year I started teaching at Sekolah Menengah Rendah Sri Muar. I taught for 23 years before opting for retirement in 1992.
When I became active in politics, there were few Indian women who became politicians. My husband, Tan Sri Pasamanikam, contested the Batu Anam state seat in 1969. Every day after school, we would travel from Muar to Batu Anam -- a 90-minute journey. I enjoyed my visits to the estates, going from house to house.
The people were simple and hospitable. We campaigned to garner their votes for the Alliance (precursor to the Barisan Nasional which was formed in 1974).My husband used to campaign together with Tun Musa Hitam, who was the member of parliament for Labis. I also campaigned with the Umno wives.
It was an exciting experience for me. There was goodwill and unity back then, as opposed to now, where people are more calculative, eager to see what they can get in return for supporting the party. Even volunteers put self-interest first. If they are unhappy, they would quickly switch to the opposition. There is no conviction.
In 1970, I became the MIC state Wanita secretary and my chief was K. Jeya Letchumy. Together we built up the women's wing in Johor. In 1984, I became the MIC state Wanita chief. In 1992, I took the plunge into the deep end. I opted for retirement from teaching and became a senator until 1998.
As one of the few Indian women in politics then, I had no problems but sometimes, I wish I had done more for single mothers. It was an issue that dominated the Indian community then.
I also wish I had done more for the stateless people. Although we did highlight these problems, I feel that had we done more for these people, it may not have grown into such a big problem today.
As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi laments, our problem today is the implementation of policies and plans by the government.
The top leaders have always implemented plans to promote unity, tolerance and mutual respect for the different religions and cultures. I'm sad to see that some people instead create barriers between races. We have to look at each other as fellow Malaysians, rather than as people of different races and religions.
I think this year's general election will be a challenge with the Indian voters because of the emergence of the Hindu Rights Action Force. People are now openly discussing their unhappiness over some issues.I think it's not a bad thing, as instead of just sweeping the issues under carpet, our prime minister is willing to listen to these problems.I'm also happy to hear Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's assurance that he will look into all genuine grievances among the Indian community.
As for the opposition, I would say we cannot bank our hopes on them although some people are of the view that we need to have a strong opposition for check and balance.
I am currently the Tarom branch chairman. Although I have retired and am receiving a pension, I think I should serve the people for as long as I can. But I am not interested in coming back into politics. I speak as a former teacher who thinks it's the present generation's time and we should only guide them. Otherwise, when will they ever learn and lead?
Puan Sri Sarasa Pasamanikam is a former teacher and senator. She became a politician when she joined the MIC at the age of 21
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Stupid Cupid
"You're a real mean guy. I'd like to clip your wings so you can't fly"
I'm not gonna dignify the so-called Roman God of Love by mentioning the V word.
So Happy Porcupine's Day people.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tear-jerker Buatan Malaysia
Home (Michael Buble)
"I know just why you could not come along with me,
this was not your dream but you always believe in me"
http://www.petronasgreetings.com/The touching advert by Petronas made me laugh and reminisce about school. I pity the poor little orphan who has no family to celebrate with. When the festive message came on at the end, my eyes welled up at the thought of not being with my family this festive season, yet again...
*sob sob*
Friday, February 08, 2008
Miller, Wentworth
Shy Guy (Diana King)
"I don't want no fly guy, I just want a shy guy"
This sad person that I am hasn't watched a single episode of Prison Break before. Until last night. As usual, I got hooked (though still deciding whether I'm hooked on the show or WM haha).
I dug him up on IMDb, and this is what he's got to say of himself.
"I'm kind of a dork. I don't have much game. I'm not particularly comfortable in bars or clubs. I much prefer being home playing Scrabble, having dinner with a couple friends, going to see a movie, or losing a whole weekend to Season 14 of "Law and Order" or "The Simpsons".
OMG . He and I should SO hook up!!!
Sourced from: http://www.wentworthmiller.ch/
I will get married in...
...March 2012.
That is if you (or I, I should say) believe in this STUPID Facebook Wedding Algorithm.
Honestly, I am so disappointed.
Not because it's 4 years and 1 month away, but that I actually wasted 5 precious minutes checking the application out!
Thousand apologies to those 20 ppl I sent this crap to just to find out when I'd be tying the knot.
Gawd, what am I like?
Friday, February 01, 2008
The Scientist
This song has been around for some years. One hears it on the radio on and off.
But I never realised how jiwang it actually is, until I listened and paid heed to its every word as it came on my playlist last night.
Deep in the still of the night.
come up to meet you
tell you I'm sorry
you don't know how lovely you are
i had to find you
tell you I need you
tell you I set you apart
tell me your secrets
nurse me your questions
oh let's go back to the start
running in circles
coming up tails
heads on the science apart
nobody said it was easy
its such a shame for us to part
nobody said it was easy
no one ever said it would be this hard
oh take me back to the start
i was just guessing
at numbers and figures
pulling the puzzles apart
questions of science
science and progress
do not speak as loud as my heart
tell me you love me
come back and haunt me
oh and I rush to the start
running in circles
chasing our tails
coming back as we are
nobody said it was easy
oh its such a shame for us to part
nobody said it was easy
no one ever said it would be so hard
i'm going back to the start
But I never realised how jiwang it actually is, until I listened and paid heed to its every word as it came on my playlist last night.
Deep in the still of the night.
come up to meet you
tell you I'm sorry
you don't know how lovely you are
i had to find you
tell you I need you
tell you I set you apart
tell me your secrets
nurse me your questions
oh let's go back to the start
running in circles
coming up tails
heads on the science apart
nobody said it was easy
its such a shame for us to part
nobody said it was easy
no one ever said it would be this hard
oh take me back to the start
i was just guessing
at numbers and figures
pulling the puzzles apart
questions of science
science and progress
do not speak as loud as my heart
tell me you love me
come back and haunt me
oh and I rush to the start
running in circles
chasing our tails
coming back as we are
nobody said it was easy
oh its such a shame for us to part
nobody said it was easy
no one ever said it would be so hard
i'm going back to the start
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